Disposable absorbent underwear products, often called “adult diapers” or briefs, are a lifesaver for people with incontinence. These products help you go through your day without the fear of messing up your clothes or having to dash to the bathroom every chance you get.
However, for a hassle-free experience, you need to choose the right diaper. Unfortunately, the process can be tricky, especially if you’re a woman, since there’s so much to consider.
From breathability to comfort during your period and fitting, it can seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack. We’ve shared some tips for choosing the right diaper for women to ensure you get the right one for your needs.
Let’s jump right in.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Women diapers come in various styles, each designed for specific lifestyles and levels of activity. For instance, if you’re active and want to maintain your level of activity without incontinence getting in the way, pull-ups might be the best choice.
These diapers resemble normal underwear, and they’re unobtrusive. Therefore, you can wear them underneath your clothes without anyone noticing, even if the outfit is snug.
However, tab-style diapers may be better for you if you live a more sedentary lifestyle. As the name suggests, these resemble baby diapers. While they’re bulkier than pull-ups, they tend to have better absorbency and are the best option for heavy incontinence sufferers.
Therefore, take some time to figure out where you fall.
Are you more of an up-and-down person, or do you spend most of your time at home?
Get the Right Size
Sizing is everything when it comes to adult diapers. The last thing you need is chaffing or leaks because you got the wrong size–not a pretty or comfortable look.
A diaper needs to fit correctly. It should be snug but not too tight to the point of discomfort. Adult diapers are categorized based on waist size.
However, you should also ensure the fit around the legs is okay. If you have thicker or thinner legs than average, ensure you adjust the waist size accordingly.
Sometimes, finding the right fit takes trial and error, especially if it’s your first time using adult diapers. However, there are a few things to keep an eye on that may help you find the best fit.
For starters, if you notice the waist becoming loose after some time, it’s a sign you need a smaller diaper. Similarly, you need to size down if you notice leaks around the legs.
In contrast, if you notice ligature marks, you should size up. Just monitor how the diaper performs to determine if you have the right fit.
Check the Absorbency Level
It’s also crucial to check the diaper’s absorbency level. You want one with a capacity of several liters so you can use it overnight without having to wake up occasionally.
A higher absorbency level also allows you to go about your day uninterrupted, which is crucial on busy days. This said, adult diapers are not made the same.
On the low end, you’ll come across diapers with a capacity of a few hundred milliliters. Higher-end diapers tend to hold several liters and are perfect for nighttime use.
However, pull-ups have less absorbency because they’re designed to be more discreet. Again, consider your lifestyle and level of activity to determine which absorbency level would suit you the best.
Decide Between Disposable and Reusable
You’ll also have to decide between a disposable or reusable diaper. A reusable diaper is made of a washable fabric.
The initial investment tends to be higher compared to a disposable diaper, but over time, it becomes more economical. Not to mention, they’re more eco-friendly.
On the other hand, disposable diapers offer the benefit of convenience, hassle-free use, and better absorbency.
Determine the Material
For the most part, manufacturers have been using plastic in adult diapers to ensure maximum fluid retention. However, in recent years, breathable, cloth-backed diapers have made their way into the market. These tend to be more comfortable and quieter and allow the skin to dry faster.
Furthermore, because they’re breathable, they help prevent skin rash. They’re also cooler in the summer and don’t sweat as much as their plastic counterparts. However, you need to change them as soon as they’re full to prevent leaks and keep your skin fresh and dry.
Still, some people prefer plastic-backed diapers because of the guarantee that it won’t leak through the outer layer. Therefore, weigh the pros and cons and decide which one would work best for you.
Wrapping Up
These are some of the crucial considerations you need to make when shopping for a woman’s adult diaper. Take some time to analyze several offerings and ensure the one you’re considering fits your lifestyle and preferences.
It’s also advisable to read customer reviews to get an idea of how the diaper performs. Also, don’t be scared to try different diapers until you get the right one for your needs.
